Dear Houla, It’s my last semester at Centenary. . .
Dear Houla,
It’s my last semester at centenary and I’m creating a bucket list of things to do before I graduate. Any suggestions?
From,
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
First of all, congratulations on reaching your last semester at Centenary! College is a challenging journey and you have made it through with hard work, tears, and possibly some late-night cappuccino breaks. Well done! As for your bucket list, here are a few suggestions to make your semester the most memorable experience possible. If none of these appeal to you, I hope they can at least serve as inspiration for other ideas you may think of later!
Start a tradition: Here me out - why not start a new tradition with your friends or classmates that can carry on even after graduation? It could be something as simple as having an annual reunion or a board game night, and help you keep your relationships as healthy and connected as you can. Your last semester is a time that is stressful and filled with all kinds of adulting to do, such as job applications and possible grad school searches, so this is a great idea to provide a sense of stability and fun during the upcoming changes in your life. Plus, starting now means those traditions can evolve throughout the semester, and who knows what kind of fun you might have! A win-win for everyone!
Go on a city exploration: Whether you are a Shreveport-Bossier native or not, take the time to explore the city that has become your home away from home during your time as a student! Visit landmarks, relax in beautiful gardens, and try out well-reviewed restaurants. Soak in the memories you have made here. If you are a local, consider showing your friends who are not as familiar with the area around and share your favorite sightseeing spots. Experiences, especially those shared with loved ones, are the ones that will stick with you the longest. I know it sounds cliché, but trust me: you are going to want to remember these moments. You can even turn this into a collaborative game, trying various activities and doing a semester long scavenger hunt! Some of my personal favorite spots as a non Shreveport-Bossier native include the R.W Norton Art Gallery (you can check out the art then have a picnic in the beautiful grass areas!) and the Strand Theatre (what can I say, I love a good performance).
Attend as many campus events as you can: This is your last semester, and as they say - you can only have the college experience once. So, why not make it a mission to attend events on campus that you may have skipped in previous years? Like the city exploration idea, I think it's a good idea to focus on the relationships you have to people and places, so exploring Centenary and all it has to offer would be a great way to sign off from your time here. I could offer more “practical” advice, but I think creating lasting memories by attending events holds much more value than telling you to try a particular challenge or learn a particular hobby.There is something only you can experience with witnessing the Dream Week Slam Poetry Night and seeing artists create in front of your eyes or being at a basketball game and getting excited with friends and classmates when our team shoots the winning ball. At the end of the day, you attended here, and taking the time to fully appreciate your time now that everything is coming to a close is a sentimental feat.
Hope these ideas were helpful, and I hope to hear about your adventures before you graduate!
Best Wishes,
An Adventurous Houla